TRACHEOSTOMY VENTILATION VERSUS DIAPHRAGMATIC PACEMAKER VENTILATION IN HIGH SPINAL-CORD INJURY

We have made a retrospective comparative study of patients with spinal cord injury, nine with a diaphragmatic pacemaker and 13 with mechanic al ventilation. Clinical outcome, cost and subjective satisfaction wit h both modalities have been evaluated. The functional status was the s ame with both types of treatment. Proper management of an electric whe elchair and optimal phonation were attained, respectively, in 100% and 89% of pacers and in 77% and 77% of mechanically ventilated. The rate of hospital discharge and satisfaction with the treatment were signif icantly better for pacers. The time devoted to ventilatory assistance and cost were also more favourable in this group.